Best RPG From Every Console Generation

As video game consoles and technology have improved since the 3rd generation, many role-playing games, or RPGs, have become incredibly influential for their time.

Some games launched successful, ongoing series, and others were remarkably innovative for their time with their complex stories and details. Overall, the genre has evolved significantly, drawing inspiration from both Western and Japanese game design.

It’s impossible to list every great RPG, so I’ve put together a selection of the best ones from each console generation and highlighted what made them stand out. Get comfortable, and let’s dive into these classic games!

7. Final Fantasy

3rd Generation

Let’s begin with the very first Final Fantasy game, released on the NES, to establish a clear starting point. Before Final Fantasy, the role-playing game genre – and even the term itself – was still developing. Games were experimenting with different ideas and hadn’t yet established the core elements we associate with RPGs today.

This game was incredibly innovative for its era. It essentially created the formula for many Japanese role-playing games that came after it, and features like its character classes and the complex, time-bending story with the Garland paradox were groundbreaking achievements in game design.

For the NES/Famicom, this game truly pushed the system’s limits with features like a detailed world map, impressive spell effects, and a save system that didn’t waste players’ time. Even if that’s not enough to convince you, its lasting impact on other games proves it deserves its reputation as a classic.

6. Chrono Trigger

4th Generation

Building on the success of the first Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger arrived as a highly sought-after game created by a dream team: Hironobu Sakaguchi, Akira Toriyama, and Yuji Horii. Their combined expertise in game and art design was perfectly complemented by the incredible soundtrack composed by Yasunori Mitsuda.

This team effort resulted in another highly successful RPG. The game featured a revamped active time battle system, making fights more exciting with special dual and triple techniques for party members. Its story involved time travel, allowing you to confront the final boss at unexpected moments – a combination that was sure to be a hit.

Add to that well-developed characters with interesting histories, and side quests that really bring the game’s world to life, and you’ll regret not playing Chrono Trigger earlier, just like I did.

5. Final Fantasy VII

5th Generation

I’ve already touched on one game in this series, so this might seem like a repeat. However, Final Fantasy VII was incredibly popular with fans and really defined the PlayStation 1 era, making it hard to leave off the list.

The game was a massive cultural phenomenon and a huge commercial success, selling over 10 million copies. It essentially became the must-have game that drove sales of the original PlayStation.

The story was by far the most captivating part of the game, especially with Aerith’s emotional scenes that left many players heartbroken, and the way it firmly established Sephiroth as one of gaming’s most detestable villains.

What really stood out to me about this game was how expansive the world felt, but it wasn’t just open – it felt carefully crafted. And the Materia system? It was a small thing, but it really set it apart from the other Final Fantasy games and gave it its own special flavor. It’s one of those details that always stuck with me!

4. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

6th Generation

By the sixth generation of gaming consoles, role-playing games, or RPGs, were incredibly popular. Games like Knights of the Old Republic with its famous Darth Revan reveal, and Final Fantasy X with its surprisingly funny laughing scene, showed off impressive technical achievements.

I decided to focus on The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind by Bethesda because it’s a classic RPG from the company’s best period, and it truly stood out for how deeply it pulled players into its world – more so than many other games at the time.

As a fan, what really blew me away about this game was how much freedom it gave you. You could actually side with different factions, even if they were enemies! Plus, the way you could build spells was so unique and open-ended. But the best part? Your choices really mattered and changed the story. Back when it came out, that level of control was unheard of on consoles, and honestly, even now, it’s pretty rare – especially considering how big the company making it is!

3. Mass Effect 2

7th Generation

It’s impossible to talk about great RPGs without mentioning BioWare, especially Mass Effect 2. The game is a classic on both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and remains incredibly popular – even newer players who discovered the series through the Legendary Collection often cite it as their favorite.

The first game had a good foundation with its pursuit of Saren, but the second game really shines. It’s a frantic race against time to assemble a team of heroes and outcasts on the Normandy.

The way the story unfolds based on your relationships with characters deeply affects the game’s final mission, which is considered one of the best in gaming history. It’s rare for an RPG to make winning feel so meaningful, but if you spend time getting to know everyone and making good choices, the victory feels truly personal.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

8th Generation

Even though it came out halfway through the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One’s lifespan, The Witcher 3 really showed what those consoles were capable of with its huge world and incredible amount of content. It’s still incredibly popular with both longtime fans and new players, and the recent next-generation version has only added to its appeal.

Powered by the impressive REDengine, this game was a visual masterpiece and remains one of the most beautiful RPGs ever made, even ten years later. Both the main game and its excellent downloadable content provided a fitting conclusion to Geralt’s story, making it a clear standout title of the eighth generation of video game consoles.

The Witcher 3 immediately draws you in with its diverse monsters and side quests that evolve into surprisingly complex storylines. It truly showcases CD Projekt Red’s skill, and I’m now off to start another playthrough – my fifth, actually!

1. Baldur’s Gate 3

9th Generation

After Larian Studios recently revealed their next Divinity game at The Game Awards ’25, it’s perfect timing to highlight Baldur’s Gate 3. Many fans and critics see it as Larian’s best work yet, and a landmark achievement in role-playing games.

The game rightfully earned numerous ‘Game of the Year’ awards from five prominent events. It features a detailed, turn-based combat system inspired by Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, enhanced with unique rules created by the developers. Adding to its appeal are incredibly memorable and well-developed companions, each with their own personal stories and relationships players can explore.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is divided into three large sections, and each one encourages you to explore everything the game has to offer. With hundreds of hours of content, quests that change based on your choices, and meaningful endings, every playthrough feels unique. It’s a remarkably ambitious, high-quality game with an incredible scope – easily one of the best RPGs in years.

2025-12-19 16:40